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C O B B ’ S FA M I LY L I F E S T Y L E M A G A Z I N E SEPTEMBER 2026

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Our Town

In This Issue

CONTENTS

SEPTEMBER 2026

8 11

Cover Story

Georgia Grooming Spa

Food & Entertainment

The North Georgia State Fair Returns!

Talkin’ Sports

Friday Night Lights are Back! Justin gives you the local High School scoop.

Cover Story

From Scruffy to Fluffy, no more bad hair days for your Pets at Georgia Grooming Spa.

Medical

Is your child struggling? Kids need a tune up too.

Health & Fitness:

Don’t train for the next 30 days, Wholebody Systems wants you to train for the next 30 years.

Community Spotlight

Dayco Systems provides the community “Care Beyond Air”

Special Feature

Alpaca your bags, fuzzy, friendly and just down the road.

Cobb Chamber Connection

Mark your calendar for September events at the Cobb Chamber.

Talkin’ Sports

High School Football

Health & Fitness Go the Distance

Food & Entertainment

The North GA State Fair

an I get a shout out for the cool weather coming? September 22nd is offcially the 1st day of fall!!! September brings a refreshing transition as the heat starts to break and the leaves begin to turn. It’s a season of change and I encourage you all to make it a season to remember!

Community Spotlight Dayco Systems

Chamber Connection 2026 Fall Calendar

As the fall festivals begin, I am excited to see everyone around the community. Make sure you stop and say hello.

Special Feature

Lost Mountain Alpaca Ranch

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Tara

Home Equity Line of Credit from Capital City Bank FAMILY LIFESTYLE NEWS MAGAZINE

Our Town is published and direct mailed monthly to prestigious homes in Cobb County. Opinions expressed by the editorial staff are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Our Town reserves the right to edit and or reject any editorial or advertising content. Our Town is not responsible for errors in advertising beyond the cost of the space or for the validity of claims made by advertisers. Entire contents copyright 2026 by Our Town. Reproduction in whole or in part is forbidden in any media without prior written permission from the publisher.

PUBLISHER/MANAGING EDITOR Tara Hill Hanover

Goodbye, COUCH OFFICE.

Hello, NEW ADDITION.

EDITOR/SPORTS CONTRIBUTOR Justin Hanover

GRAPHICS AND DESIGN Jules Fandos

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Sara Young sara@ourtownmonthly.com 678.778.0800 CONTRIBUTING WRITERS JRM Management Kim Brinson Elite Pediatric and Family Chiropractic Amy Selby OTM Staff

PO Box 813610 Smyrna, GA 30081-8610 (678)337-7844 info@ourtownmonthly.com www.ourtownmonthly.com FB: Our Town Monthly

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North Georgia State Fair Returns with New Savings and Daily Specials

he Superior Plumbing presents North Georgia State Fair is returning to Marietta this fall with new ways for families, students, teachers, first responders and other community members to save. The fair runs September 24 through October 4, 2026, at 1345 Al Bishop Drive in Marietta.

ees with staff ID. October 1 is College Night, when college students can receive free admission with valid identification. The fair will also partner with MUST Ministries on October 2, 3 and 4: guests who bring five non-perishable, non-expired canned goods can receive free admission.

Advance online tickets go on sale August 1. Fairgoers can purchase a $23.95 Advance Pay One Price ride ticket, good for unlimited rides on any one day of the fair. Admission is not included, and the ride ticket must be purchased online before opening day. Advance admission tickets will also be available online for $10, compared with $15 at the gate. Free parking will be offered throughout the fair.

Regular admission is $15 per person, $10 for seniors 55 and older, and free for children ages 10 and under. Fair organizers encourage visitors to check the website for updated traffic plans before attending.

The final Sunday, October 4, also features the student school special from 12:30 to 2 p.m., followed by the “LAST BLAST!” with $30 unlimited rides.

The fair’s daily specials provide even more opportunities to enjoy the midway. Opening day, Thursday, September 24, features free admission and $25 unlimited rides. Friday offers free admission to seniors 55 and older, as well as active, reserve and retired military personnel, law enforcement, firefighters, first responders and healthcare workers with valid identification. Saturday mornings on September 26 and October 3 will begin with free admission and rides from 10 to 11 a.m., followed by $35 unlimited rides from 11 a.m. until close. Sunday, September 27, includes a $1 admission discount with a church bulletin, plus a school special offering free admission and rides to students 18 and under from 12:30 to 2 p.m. The weekday schedule continues with special opportunities. Teacher Tuesday, September 29, provides free admission to teachers and district employ-

Our Town

Fair

Stars and

September 24October 4, 2026 NORTH GEORGIA STATE FAIR

Scan this QR code and purchase tickets now.

770-423-1330 OR AFTER SEPT. 2, 770-528-8989

Jim R Miller Park, Marietta, GA

Our Town

Talkin’ Sports

Under Those Friday Night Lights!

By Justin Hanover

up, school has started, the Braves are in first place (at this moment) and it’s that time of the year once again.

Football time! Let’s take a look at some of our Cobb County High School teams, a county which has won four state championships over the past 11 years. It certainly hasn’t come easy of late as the last to do so were Marietta and Harrison back in 2019, Allatoona was victorious despite tons of injuries in 2015 and Mt. Paran won the Class A Private title in 2014, snapping that forty-seven year Cobb County drought.

6’5” quarterback Brenton James transferred in from St. Augustine High School in Florida after a phenomenal 36 touchdown season and should be spinning it all season long to four-star Stockbridge transfer Zyon Robinson and Jahlil Page, who caught a pair of touchdowns in the opener. Meanwhile four-star linebacker and UGA commit Joakim Gouda along with defensive back and future Pittsburgh Panther Kayden Battle, who scored on a 99-yard pick six at the Stockyard, have the ability to dominate on the other side of the ball all season long in a super competitive 7A Region 3 which includes the likes of (below) Cobb County foes, Harrison and Hillgrove.

HARRISON HOYAS

So, what are we looking at here in 2026????

NORTH COBB WARRIORS: Head Coach Shane Queen is once again the longest tenured coach in the 7A classification. It’s now a whopping 21 years at the helm down Old Highway 41, 9 more than anybody else in the classification coaching ranks. His Warriors are probably once again the favorites to win Region 5 but Walton, North Paulding and Marietta will all have a say before things are said and done. North Cobb lost star Quarterback Teddy Jarrard to Notre Dame and a great offensive lineman in Brandon Anderson to the Missouri Tigers. But this program always reloads and with its three-star running back Zach Belyeu back and boasting 35 plus D-1 offers, the Warriors should be able to tote the rock once again. Defensive Back Marcus Singleton who comes from a lineage of Warriors (three brothers including Malachi who played quarterback before Jarrard) should help out on the defensive end of the field. Queen’s crew is looking for a third straight region championship and they just might get it!

MCEACHERN INDIANS: The Indians are extremely talented and could win it all this season as evidenced by the opening game shellacking of a good Kell team, 40-10. Kareem Reid begins his 20th overall season of coaching and fourth in Powder Springs. Many transfers flocked in to help Reid and his five-star do everything safety in Casey Barner. Barner, who is the number one safety prospect in the nation among Juniors, showed the world what he was all about in the 50-17 stunning opening game win over Walton a season ago. He also opened up this season in fine fashion with that 58-yard touchdown run on his first touch against the Longhorns.

Speaking of Harrison, wow were they good last year after winning 6 of their 7 region games and finishing 10-2 overall. The lone losses came to the aforementioned McEachern Indians and in the season ending playoff defeat at a great Carrollton team. The Hoyas are pretty locked and loaded this season and will look for some revenge the night before Halloween against those Indians in what could once again be for the region championship. Luqman Salam’s squad returns a trio of All-State players. Quarterback Aiden Watson is coming off of that 23 touchdown and only three interception season which helped earn him an offer from Iowa State. We should see a lot of action from Watson to three-star senior DJ Huggins, a South Carolina commit. On the other side of the ball, the Hoyas boast the aggressive and athletic Olrick Johnson III at the linebacker position. Johnson was not only the defensive player of the year in the region but also earned the always phenomenal title of All-State. Both his dad and Uncle played in the NFL.

HILLGROVE HAWKS There is no more impressive program in the state of Georgia than the Hillgrove Hawks when it comes to churning out NFL talent. Seven, count them seven, players from this high school currently compete in the NFL. That is absolutely bonkers! Justin DeShon’s team finished third in this region of death last season after losses to both the Indians and Hoyas and were eliminated in the playoffs by a solid West Forsyth squad. Mammoth 6’7” 290 pound four-star offensive tackle Amaree Joshua has received offers from Ohio State and Ole Miss and should help block for either sophomore signal caller Trey Hasan who came over from Milton or senior Jabari Green. Add in the Georgia State commit Aiden Montford and the Hawks should be in business here in 2026!

Justin Hanover is a sports reporter/analyst who has worked in the business since 1996. His stops have included ESPN, CNN, 790 The Zone, 680 The Fan and the Atlanta Falcons. He has also done play-by-play analysis and color commentary ranging from the high school level all the way through the professional level. Justin lives in Smyrna with his wife and three children

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GEORGIA GROOMING SPA Great Great Hair Hair Days Days Start Here! Start Here!

estled near the heart of historic downtown Powder Springs, Georgia, Georgia Grooming Spa is a neighborhood destination for professional grooming, relaxing spa services, and plenty of tail-wagging TLC. Our team believes grooming is an art — and every dog brings a little personality to the canvas. We combine compassion, creativity, and experience to make each visit as comfortable and positive as possible. Whether your pup loves spa day or needs a little extra patience, we work at their pace and tailor the experience to their individual needs.

Full-Service Grooming & Spa Services

At Georgia Grooming Spa, we do things a little differently. Great grooming is about more than a fresh haircut — it is about your pet’s comfort, coat health, and long-term care. Every dog is unique, so our groomers take the time to understand your pet’s coat, condition, lifestyle, and personality. Sometimes that means creating a long-term coat care plan. Other times, it means setting small milestones to safely achieve the look you want. Either way, the well-being of your pet always comes first. Our full line of services includes Full Haircuts, Mini Grooms, Baths, Spa Services, Nail Trims, and more. Whether you are looking for a complete transformation or simply a little freshening up, our experienced groomers are ready to help. And for pups who do not need a haircut, our spa bath services are a great way to keep coats clean, healthy, soft, and smelling wonderful. Because let’s face it — clean just feels better.

From Powder Springs and surrounding Cobb County communities to Canton and Cherokee County, we are excited to make professional grooming easier than ever. Same great care. Same professional grooming. Now right at your doorstep.

Boarding, Daycare & Training at Pet Play Place

Need more than grooming? Our sister property, Pet Play Place in Kennesaw, offers a full lineup of services designed to keep dogs happy, active, and engaged.

Pet Play Place is an expansive enrichment facility offering overnight boarding, daycare, and professional dog training. With large outdoor play yards, planned activities, comfortable accommodations, and plenty of opportunities for positive socialization, it is much more than a place for your dog to stay — it is a place for them to play, learn, and have fun. Heading out of town for Fall Break or Thanksgiving? Now is a great time to plan ahead. Call 770-919-8738 to schedule your dog’s free temperament test and get ready for their next stay. Pet Play Place also offers professional training for families looking to improve manners, communication, and everyday behavior. For dogs who need a little more focused help, ask about the two-week Board & Train program. Dogs receive extensive one-on-one training at the facility, followed by hands-on guidance to help pet parents continue that success at home.

Our goal is simple: happy pets and beautiful results.

From wild to wonderful, the goal is to help create happier dogs and happier families.

Mobile Grooming Is Here — Serving Cobb & Cherokee Counties!

Come See What All the Tails Are Wagging About!

Georgia Grooming Spa is now bringing professional grooming directly to homes throughout Cobb and Cherokee counties with our new mobile grooming service. Mobile grooming offers the same care and attention you expect from Georgia Grooming Spa with the added convenience of having us come right to your driveway. It is a great option for busy families, senior pets, dogs who become anxious during car rides, or anyone who simply prefers the ease of at-home service. Your dog receives personalized, one-on-one attention in a calm environment without the extra car ride or time spent traveling across town.

From professional grooming and spa services in Powder Springs to mobile grooming throughout Cobb and Cherokee counties — plus boarding, daycare, and training through Pet Play Place — our family of pet-care businesses is here to make life a little easier for pets and the people who love them. Come experience the Georgia Grooming Spa and Pet Play Place difference. Great hair. Clean paws. Happy dogs.

Natalie Venetia Belcon, Photo by Bradley Credit

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When Kids Struggle...

ment, touch, hunger, discomfort, excitement, fear, and deciding how the body should respond. For a developing child, that is a lot of information to process. Sometimes the response is obvious. Other times it shows up in ways parents might never connect to the nervous system.

Most parents chalk these moments up to challenging behavior.

Maybe it’s a baby struggling with reflux, an older child still wetting the bed, or a teenager with ADHD who seems constantly “on.” These concerns can look unrelated, but they all involve complex communication between the brain and body. In our office, families often tell us they notice changes in these areas during care, which is one reason we take a nervous system focused approach to pediatric chiropractic.

arents - we’ve all been there. Sometimes it’s a sudden meltdown in the checkout line or crying on the ride to school. Have you battled over the correct color cup at dinner or perhaps wrangled an alligator before bed?

But behavior can be a child’s way of communicating what can’t be spoken. Behind every movement, sensation, and response is the body’s nervous system. This is the network that connects the brain and body and helps us navigate and respond to the world around us. We can think about the nervous system like a car. The sympathetic nervous system is the “gas pedal.” It keeps us in “go, go, go” mode, alert and ready to face whatever comes our way. It’s the “Fight or Flight” mode. The parasympathetic nervous system is like the “brake.” It helps us slow down, rest, and digest. The nervous system never clocks out. It is constantly taking in information, noise, move-

We care for families with children ranging from newborns through the teenage years. We look at how a child’s body is moving and functioning, what may be adding stress to their nervous system, and whether chiropractic care makes sense for them.

Chiropractic should never be one-size-fits-all. For babies, techniques are adapted for an infant’s small body and use gentle care, while the baby is comfortably positioned. With older children and teens, adjustments are tailored to their age, size, and individual needs. Families tell us they notice small changes during care: their baby seems more comfortable, their child settles more easily at night, or their teenager seems less constantly ‘on’. Those changes may seem small, but for a family that has been struggling, small can feel significant. Pediatric chiropractic is about paying attention to the nervous system and understanding what the body may be saying. At Elite Pediatric and Family Chiropractic, we measure nervous system stress, looking where the nervous system needs to come back online. From there, care is tailored to each child using specific, gentle adjustments. If some of what you’ve read sounds familiar, we’d love to connect with your family and see how your child’s nervous system is functioning, answer your questions, and see whether chiropractic care may be a good fit for your child. Give us a call to schedule!

elitepediatricfamilychiropractic.com / 5205 Stilesboro Road NW #205 / Kennesaw GA 30152 / 678-404-9950

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Stronger for the Life You Want

By Kimberly Brinson

here is a moment that happens for many women somewhere in their late 40s and 50’s. You notice it is harder to recover from your cardio workout. You hesitate before lifting something heavy or awkward. You wonder why your energy isn’t what it used to be. Maybe you notice that despite staying active, your body doesn’t respond the way it once did.

Tara’s Journey Continues

For others, it means addressing a diagnosis and creating a safe plan to rebuild strength and confidence. Either way, the objective is the same: to increase your capacity for life. I often tell clients that we don’t train for the next 30 days.

If that sounds familiar, I have good news.

We train for the next 30 years.

One of the most effective tools we have to support healthy aging is strength training. Strength isthe foundation for the life you want to live.

The women who thrive as they age are not necessarily the women with perfect genetics or endless motivation. They are the women who consistently invest in their strength. And the beautiful thing is that it is never too late to begin. Research suggests people can continue to build strength and improve physical function well into later decades of life.

Strength allows you to move confidently. Strength gives a sense of achievement, lowers anxiety, gives us appreciation for what our bodies can do, and ultimately provides lasting independence. The science behind it is compelling. As women move through perimenopause and menopause, declining estrogen levels affect both muscle and bone. Without intervention, women naturally lose muscle mass and bone density as they age. Researchers have consistently found that resistance training can improve strength, support bone density, and improve functional capacity in postmenopausal women, so medical interventions can be prevented or postponed. But here’s the part that often gets overlooked: Knowing strength training is important and actually doing it are two different things. Women know they should be exercising, but where should we start or what should the focus be? Should we lift weights? How heavy? How often? What if there is joint pain? What if a diagnosis of osteopenia or osteoporosis has been assessed? What if the gym has never been in the picture? This is where having the right coach matters. A trainer who understands women’s health and isn’t just counting repetitions. They understand the physiological changes that occur during perimenopause and menopause. They understand bone health. They understand recovery. They understand that the goal isn’t to survive a workout—it’s to build a stronger body for the decades to come. The best programs meet you where you are. For some women, that means being proactive and preserving muscle and bone before significant loss occurs.

This is exactly what Tara has been working through this series. She didn’t start because everything was falling apart. In fact, her assessments showed that she had maintained good cardiovascular fitness and flexibility. What she discovered, however, was that there were opportunities to build strength more intentionally and to be proactive about her longterm health. Her Echolight assessment revealed the beginning stages of osteopenia in her spine, giving her valuable information while there is still plenty of time to take action. Rather than waiting for a diagnosis or a limitation to force a change, Tara chose to invest in her future self. She is learning that strength training isn’t about becoming a different person—it’s about building the strength, confidence, and resilience to continue being the person she wants to be for years to come. If you’ve been waiting for a sign, consider this it. Find a trainer who understands women’s health. Ask questions. Get assessed. Learn where you are today and create a plan for where you want to be tomorrow. Your future self is counting on the choices you make today

Kimberly Brinson is the studio director and managing partner at Wholebody Systems Smyrna. She loves connecting with clients on their wellness journey. When she’s not in the studio, you can find her hiking, mountain biking and immersing herself in the latest wellness topics. Find her on Instagram @ Kimatwholebody

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COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT

Dayco Systems: Comfort, Care, and Community for Dayco Systems Heating,

Cooling & Plumbing, serving the community has always meant more than responding to a service call.

he company’s story began in 2006 when the founder Dean Yarrington, who learned the HVAC trade from his father, began helping neighbors in Legacy Park. One neighbor needed assistance, then another, and that willingness to serve eventually grew into Dayco Systems. Today, Dayco Systems remains locally owned and serves homeowners and businesses across Northwest Georgia from its Acworth and Rome locations. The company has expanded to provide residential heating and cooling, plumbing, home performance, light commercial, and multifamily services, but the values behind the business have remained consistent. Dayco Systems believes customers should be treated like neighbors, team members should feel connected to a larger purpose, and local businesses should actively contribute to the communities that support them. That belief is reflected in the company’s promise of “Your Day in Comfort,” along with its HVAC commitment, “Care Beyond Air,” and its plumbing promise, “Care That Flows.” These phrases are more than brand messages. They represent Dayco Systems’ commitment to educating customers, communicating honestly, performing quality work, and extending care beyond the homes and businesses it serves.

Four Pillars of Community Support

Dayco Systems organizes much of its community involvement around four pillars: first responders, veterans, children’s needs, and special needs. These focus areas help the company give with purpose while supporting organizations and initiatives that strengthen families and communities throughout Cobb, Paulding, Cherokee, and Floyd counties. The company also believes there is tremendous value in supporting city festivals, family events, local schools, chambers of commerce, youth sports, and neighborhood celebrations. These gatherings create opportunities for people to connect, build relationships, and develop pride in the places they call home. For Dayco Systems, community involvement is not simply about sponsorship recognition. It is about being present, contributing resources, volunteering time, and developing lasting partnerships.

Honoring Those Who Serve

Supporting first responders is an important part of Dayco Systems’ community commitment. The Dayco team has served breakfast to members of the Acworth Police Department and delivered appreciation baskets to the Acworth, Canton, Rome, and Dallas police departments. More recently, the company delivered gift baskets to six local fire stations to thank firefighters and emergency personnel for their continued service. These gestures are intentionally personal. First responders often work long hours, miss time with their families, and step into difficult situations to protect others. Dayco Systems believes they deserve to know that their service is noticed and appreciated.

The company has also supported Hearts for Heroes through the Paulding Chamber, as well as the Jess Rousey Honoring Heroes Foundation’s Golf Fore Heroes and Dancing with the Heroes, initiatives that recognize first responders, honor local heroes, and celebrate individuals whose service strengthens the community. Veterans make up another important pillar of Dayco Systems’ giving. The company seeks opportunities to honor those who have served through patriotic events, local partnerships, sponsorships, and community programs. This support is especially meaningful to a team that includes employees and leaders with military backgrounds.

Supporting Children and Families

Children’s needs remain central to many of Dayco Systems’ outreach efforts. One of the company’s most memorable initiatives was its partnership with Wish for Wheels at Dallas Elementary School. Through the program, 84 second-grade students received brand-new bicycles and helmets. Volunteers helped teach the children how to ride, and every participating student was able to leave with a bicycle of their own. The experience gave students more than a new bike. It created an opportunity to build confidence, independence, and a sense of accomplishment. Dayco Systems also deeply values its relationship with Advocates for Children, an organization whose mission and work have become especially meaningful to the company and its employees. The Dayco team has supported Advocates for Children through both financial contributions and hands-on volunteer service. Employees donated money toward school supplies, and Dayco Systems matched those contributions. Together, the team provided more than $1,000 worth of supplies to help local students begin the school year prepared and supported. Team members also volunteered their time to sort and organize items for the organization’s back-to-school event. For Dayco Systems, this partnership is about much more than a single donation. It is about standing behind an organization that works every day to support children and families during some of their most difficult moments. The company is grateful for the opportunity to support Advocates for Children and admires the compassion, advocacy, and practical assistance the organization provides throughout the community. Dayco Systems hopes to continue growing this relationship and finding new ways to support its mission in the years ahead. The company has also donated school supplies to community events in Dallas and regularly supports youth sports, recreation programs, touch-a-truck events, school activities, and family festivals. These partnerships allow Dayco Systems to contribute to the positive experiences that help children feel connected to their communities.

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Both the Acworth and Rome Dayco Systems locations are also recognized as Safe Place sites. These locations provide young people experiencing abuse, neglect, homelessness, family conflict, or another crisis with a designated place to request immediate assistance and connect with trained support resources. By participating in the Safe Place program at both locations, Dayco Systems is helping expand the network of safe and accessible places available to young people throughout the communities it serves.

The program also reflects Dayco Systems’ internal culture. Employees often refer to themselves as the Dayco Family—a team connected by shared standards, shared experiences, and a commitment to helping one another succeed.

Supporting Individuals with Special Needs

A Local Company Invested in Local Communities

Dayco Systems is especially proud of its partnership with McKenna Farms Therapy Services. McKenna Farms provides physical, occupational, and speech therapy to children and young adults with special needs. Its work helps individuals build skills, increase independence, and receive support in an encouraging environment. Dayco Systems has supported McKenna Farms through multiple events, including serving as the presenting sponsor of Derby Day, the organization’s largest annual fundraiser. The company has also sponsored the McKenna Farms Fall Festival, helping support a welcoming event for families and the broader community. This partnership reflects the kind of relationship Dayco Systems hopes to create with local nonprofit organizations: consistent, meaningful, and built around a shared desire to serve others. The company has also taken steps to make home service visits more inclusive. Through KultureCity, Dayco Systems became the first home service company to become Sensory Inclusive Certified. Employees received training to better recognize and respond to sensory needs, and technicians were equipped with sensory bags containing tools such as noise-reducing headphones, fidget items, and communication cards.

Throughout the years, Dayco Systems has participated in festivals, nonprofit fundraisers, chamber programs, school events, youth activities, and family celebrations across Northwest Georgia. The company has supported events including Smoke on the Lake, Boo Bash, Dogs Day Out, back-to-school celebrations, local Fourth of July events, and community touch-a-truck programs. After opening its Rome location, Dayco Systems made a deliberate effort to become an active part of the Floyd County community through local festivals, chamber activities, and partnerships. Dayco Systems was also honored to be recognized by the City of Dallas as an Outstanding Community Partner. As Dayco Systems celebrates 20 years in business, the company remains grateful for the customers, employees, schools, nonprofit organizations, first responders, veterans, and community partners who have trusted and supported it along the way. The company is proud of how much it has grown, but even more grateful for the opportunities that growth has created to serve others. Whether the Dayco team is restoring comfort in a home, supporting Advocates for Children, delivering appreciation baskets, donating school supplies, helping a child learn to ride a bicycle, or standing beside a non-profit, the goal remains the same: serve well, care deeply, and leave the community stronger. For Dayco Systems, care does not end when the service call is complete. It continues wherever neighbors need neighbors.

HVAC and plumbing visits can involve loud equipment, unfamiliar people, and changes in routine. This training helps Dayco employees approach each home with greater patience, awareness, and compassion.

Together We Care

One of the most distinctive parts of Dayco Systems’ community involvement is its employee-driven program, Together We Care. Through the program, every employee is provided with a designated amount of company-funded support that can be donated to a nonprofit organization, community group, school program, or child’s sports team that matters personally to them. The donation is made by Dayco Systems on the employee’s behalf. Together We Care allows the company’s giving to reach a wide range of causes while giving every employee a voice in how Dayco supports the community. Team members often know where the greatest needs exist because they live, work, worship, volunteer, and raise their families in the same communities the company serves.

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Q&A

e are all looking for our little slice of Heaven. Some people find it and some people don’t. For Tina and Dave Ellsworth, working in healthcare and helping people in biotechnology and speech therapy was great but this amazing couple figured out a different and better way to help. After about 15 years of discussing what “different and better” was, it all finally came to fruition in 2021, right here in Cobb County, mere feet away from Hillgrove High School. OTM: How did the idea of Lost Mountain Alpaca Ranch come about? DE: The moment that truly changed everything happened during a family trip to Iceland. We spent eight days driving around the country and staying with local families in small towns. One night, we stayed on a large sheep farm surrounded by open fields, horses, and hundreds of lambs. We spent our mornings drinking coffee and our evenings sharing a bottle of wine while watching animals roam beneath the Icelandic sky. It was one of the most peaceful experiences we had ever had. When we returned home, we began seriously discussing what life could look like if we stepped away from our traditional careers and created something different. We wanted to build a place that captured that same feeling of peace, connection, and presence. We spent years looking people in the eyes—patients, healthcare workers, families, and caregivers. We saw hardworking people doing their best, but many seemed overwhelmed, exhausted, and disconnected. Coming out of COVID especially, Tina and I noticed how many people were searching for something they couldn’t quite name. In late 2021, we found the property that would become Lost Mountain Alpaca Ranch. It needed a tremendous amount of work, but we could see the vision. We renovated the farmhouse, restored barns, rebuilt fences, cleared pastures, and slowly brought the dream to life. By mid-2022, our first alpacas arrived, and the rest is history. OTM: What can guests expect when they visit the Ranch? DE: As soon as visitors turn off the road, they are greeted by alpacas grazing in the pasture and a tree-lined driveway surrounded by gardens, green space, and open fields. One of the comments we hear most often is, “I had no idea this existed in Cobb County.” Of course, guests learn about alpacas, their history, personalities, and unique behaviors, but what often surprises people most is how calm and gentle the animals are. By the end of a visit, many tell us they feel lighter, more relaxed, and more connected than when they arrived.

One of the most rewarding parts of what we do is watching people connect. We’ve seen nonverbal students sit quietly beside an alpaca and smile. We’ve welcomed assisted-living residents who light up the moment they step into the pasture. We’ve watched families reconnect, couples get engaged, and guests return again and again because they say the ranch has become a place where they can reset. OTM: What surprises people most about Lost Mountain Alpaca Ranch? DE: Most people expect to meet alpacas. What they don’t expect is how they feel once they get here. Guests arrive expecting a fun animal experience, but many leave talking about something entirely different. They talk about the quiet, the trees, the birdsong, and the feeling of slowing down. The alpacas certainly help, but what surprises people most is how quickly that interaction helps them disconnect from the noise of everyday life and reconnect with the present moment. OTM: Why do you think Lost Mountain Alpaca Ranch resonates with the Cobb County community? DE: Cobb County has felt like home to our family since we moved to the Atlanta area in 2005. What was originally supposed to be a brief stop became the place where we built our lives, raised our children, and became part of a community we genuinely love. As the area has grown, we’ve noticed that many people are looking for places where they can slow down and reconnect. We never wanted to create a business that simply sold a product or an activity. We wanted to create a place that people could feel. The response from the community has been incredibly humbling. Whether guests are coming from across Cobb County or across the world, many tell us the same thing: they can’t believe a place like this exists right here in West Cobb. Our Town visited the ranch and can tell you firsthand it truly is all that Dave says it is. If you want to experience this peace, check them out at lostmountainalpacaranch.com You will be happy you did!

OTM: What do you hope people take away from a visit? DE: More than anything, we hope people leave feeling a little lighter than when they arrived. Many guests tell us they didn’t realize how much stress they were carrying until they stepped onto the property. The alpacas are often the starting point. Their gentle nature and calming presence have a way of putting people at ease almost immediately. From there, something deeper often happens. Being surrounded by nature, listening to birds, slowing down, and spending time with the animals can help people reconnect with themselves in ways they didn’t expect.

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he Cobb Chamber hosts engaging events throughout the year to help businesses build connections and grow their knowledge. You don’t have to be a member to attend! Register in advance at cobbchamber. org/events. Marquee Monday: Ron Clark of Ron Clark Academy | Sept. 14 Ron Clark is known around the world for his unmatched passion, innovative ideas and the kind of energy that lights a fire in any room. He’ll draw on his own experience to talk about what builds a winning culture, how to motivate a team that’s running on empty, and why creativity is a leadership skill, not just a buzzword. Cobb Chamber Reed Leeper Classic | Sept. 28 Join us for our annual golf tournament. Public Safety Awards & Appreciation Week | Oct. 5-9 Show your support and celebrate our local public safety heroes. Studio Sessions Head Shot Event | Oct. 8 Schedule a 30-minute session and receive two professionally shot and edited head shot files. 74th Annual ARMAC Military Appreciation Luncheon | Nov. 5 Always an inspiring event, this luncheon pays tribute to Georgia’s military heroes and builds connections between the business and military communities. Cobb Chamber Clay Shoot | Nov. 18 New for 2026: Sharp shooters are welcome to compete at the Chamber’s inaugural clay shoot at Garland Mountain in Waleska. For more information on Chamber membership, events, and other benefits, visit www.cobbchamber.org.

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